Electron micrograph of adenovirus capsids lyophilized in a sucrose
Formulation. From the cover of the September/October 2003 issue of
BioProcessing Journal.

Production, Processing & Physical Stability of Recombinant Viruses

Methods commonly used for large-scale production of recombinant viruses subject the virus to a series of environments (high salt, extreme pH, and temperature) that can significantly compromise virus capsid structure and, in turn, significantly compromise the ability of the virus to bind to cellular receptors and effectively deliver its genetic payload. Work in the Croyle lab identifies and optimizes formulations to protect virus infectivity and three-dimensional structure during processing and transport, improve uptake and delivery of viruses to cellular targets, prevent degradation of capsid proteins during long-term storage at ambient temperatures.

These projects are commonly given to students to familiarize them with methods employed in the biotech industry for production of recombinant viruses. Students will evaluate a viral product at each step during production using assays established and validated in the lab to identify potential places where the efficacy and reliability of a product could be compromised. Using basic thermodynamic principles, students can model virus degradation mechanisms in a given situation and rationally develop formulation strategies to preserve virus structure and activity in a number of real-life situations.